We lead busy lives. Between work, our busy social calendars, and trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle, it can be difficult to find healthy eating options on the go. Fifteen years ago, we would have hit up McDonald’s or Burger King for a quick lunch or dinner, but after being forced to watch Supersize Me in P.E. class and listening to the news and our doctors in the past couple of decades, it has pretty much been determined that fast food equals bad-for-you-food. The Organic Coup is here to change that.

For 14 years, Erica Welton had been working as a food buyer for Costco when she began to see a shift in what consumers were looking for. She noticed that more and more people wanted organic, clean food, which can be difficult to find when you’re low on time. Seeing a hole in the market and the need for clean and healthy food for busy people on the go, Erica and the masterminds at the Organic Coup decided to disrupt the fast food industry in the best possible way — by offering consumers a healthier option made just as quickly as a Big Mac and Chicken McNuggets.

The Organic Coup is America’s first USDA-certified organic fast food. You heard me: organic fast food has finally come to the Bay Area.

Why get a Whopper when you could get an organic fried chicken sandwich? (The Organic Coup/Facebook)

At the Organic Coup, they use only food that is made and raised within the Organic USDA standards, so you won’t find any toxic chemicals, pesticides, and other harmful additives in your food (how refreshing)! Using only Mary’s Free Range Organic Chicken, which is fried using organic coconut oil, the Organic Coup manages to offer fast food that is fresh, organic, and delicious. No longer will you have to feel guilty for eating fast food when you’re in a hurry. No longer will you have to choose between convenience and health. The Organic Coup is here to stay and it’s revolutionizing the fast food industry.

Looking for an organic chicken wrap? Head to the Organic Coup! (The Organic Coup/Facebook)

What’s in a name?

The Organic Coup was originally supposed to be called the Organic Coop, but a serendipitous typo led to the company’s current name: The Organic Coup. Instead of correcting the spelling error, the masterminds at the Organic Coup decided that the typo actually captured the spirit of their mission to revolutionize and positively change the fast food industry. After all, a “coup” is a takeover and that’s exactly what the Organic Coup is trying to accomplish.The Organic Coup already has several locations around the Bay Area in San Francisco, Pleasanton, and Pleasant Hill, but they are planning a further expansion with new restaurants in Berkeley (right next to Cal on Telegraph Ave.) and Oakland opening at the end of December. In 2016, the Organic Coup opened 8 restaurants around the San Francisco Bay Area and are planning another 15 additional locations next year in the Bay Area, L.A., and even Seattle.

The Organic Coup’s new location in Berkeley (The Organic Coup).

Not only is the Organic Coup offering an organic option in the fast food industry, but they are also offering their employees the opportunity to earn livable wages. Unlike other fast food franchises, the Organic Coup starts their employees at $15 an hour in most locations and $16 an hour in their San Francisco restaurants, which is an incredible increase from the low minimum wage earned by most employees at other fast food chains.

While the menu at the Organic Coup is still pretty limited, you know when you order a chicken sandwich it’s being made with the highest quality organic ingredients available. They also offer organic drinks and sides and a delicious assortment of organic and vegan sauces, including Mustard Vin, Spicy BBQ Ranch, Sesame Ginger, and good old-fashioned ranch.

Sides at the Organic Coup include options from Luke’s Organic and Late Organic Snacks (The Organic Coup/Facebook).

Whether you’re a lover of fast food or looking for an organic lunch or dinner option, the Organic Coup is sure to please busy moms and busy students on the go. Organic fast food has finally come to the Bay Area and we couldn’t be more excited!Move over McDonald’s — the Organic Coup is here to stay.

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